How to grow Begonias in the UK
Big, bright flowers that are happy in shade - perfect for pots on a north-facing doorstep.
- DifficultyEasy peasy
- WhereBeds or Pots
- Sunpart shade or shade
- Grows to25cm
- Spacing25cm
- Time to first pickabout 4 weeks
- Typeannual
When to sow, plant and harvest begonias
| Plant | mid May to late June |
|---|---|
| In flower | mid June to mid October |
Dates are for central England. Sow about two weeks later in the north and Scotland, and up to two weeks earlier in the south and south west. Get the dates for your postcode.
Planting it
- Water your new plants in their pots first
- Dig a hole a bit bigger than the pot
- Tip the plant out gently, holding the leaves, not the stem
- Pop it in the hole, firm the soil around it, and water well
- Space the plants about 25cm apart each way
Top tips for growing begonias
- Water from below, into the saucer, to keep the leaves dry.
Soil and feeding
Poor soil - really!. Nasturtiums flower best in poor soil. Feed them and you get all leaves and no flowers.
Pests and problems
- Slugs & snails: munch seedlings overnight, worst in wet weather
- Protect young plants from slugs
Harvesting and eating begonias
Pick off dead flowers.
Saving your own begonias seed
.
- Not one to save from - buy new plants or seed.
Where to buy begonias plants
Thompson & Morgan · Suttons · Amazon
These are affiliate links: we may earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Read more.
Begonias questions
When do I plant out begonias?
Plant begonias out from mid May to late June, once the last frost has passed.
When can I enjoy begonias?
Begonias is ready from mid June to mid October. Pick off dead flowers.
How long do begonias take to grow?
Roughly 4 weeks from sowing or planting until the first harvest.
Are begonias easy to grow?
Begonias are rated 'easy peasy' for beginners, and can be grown in the ground or a raised bed or in pots and containers.
Plan your own garden: it tells you what to do and when, for your postcode.
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